Peer Advocate/Employment Specialist

Organization: People USA

Job Title: Peer Advocate & Employment Specialist

Hourly Rate: $24.75 per hour Status: Full-time (40 hours per week) Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Poughkeepsie

Position Summary:

Employment and Recovery Specialist provides integrated peer support and employment services to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses and/or disabilities. Drawing on lived experience and professional training, this role promotes personal empowerment, recovery, and successful employment outcomes. Services are person-centered, strengths-based, and delivered across various community settings such as homes, hospitals, shelters, libraries, job sites, and peer-run spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain regular, meaningful contact with participants (minimum: 1 face-to-face and 2 indirect contacts monthly).
• Facilitate recovery groups and participate in community engagement activities (e.g., Nights Out, Mixers).
• Educate participants on wellness and recovery topics, including:
• Peer/Self-help Resources
• Trauma & Healing
• Recovery from Mental Health Challenges
• SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of WellnessWRAP and wellness planning
• Natural and community-based support systems
• Identify and help participants overcome barriers such as stigma, lack of access to care, or unmet basic needs.
• Build peer relationships rooted in mutuality, empathy, and lived experience.
• Directly connects individuals to services and support (not just through referrals).
• Advocate side-by-side with individuals to ensure their needs and decisions are respected.
• Document all meaningful interactions using electronic health record systems.
• Submit required monthly reports and attend regional or team meetings.
• Provide individualized job coaching and employment support based on participants’ employment goals or IEPs.
• Assist with:
• Job readiness training (e.g., resume building, mock interviews)
• Job orientation and transportation planning
• On-the-job support and skill development
• Communication strategies with coworkers and supervisors
• Navigating workplace adjustments and integration
• Addressing barriers to employment retention
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, housing providers, and community resources.
• Support participants in accessing public resources and entitlements relevant to employment.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience (must meet one of the following):
• High School Diploma or equivalent 3 years of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities or psychiatric diagnoses.
  
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• Must obtain New York State Peer Specialist Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Strong understanding of recovery principles, peer support models, and employment services.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery is strongly encouraged.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Familiarity with ADA, mental health systems, Social Security benefits, and community services.
• Must have a clean and valid driver's license.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Knowledge of ASL
• Completion of Academy of Peer Services training
• At least 2 years of advocacy experience
  
  
  

Other Duties:

This description reflects general duties but may evolve. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as organizational needs change.

Reports to - Director of Employment Services